Ken Yeo vice chairman of Perranzabuloe Parish Council said: "It's a very emotive issue and the council was responding to requests from people who were very concerned about the amount of dogs mess that was not cleaned up.

"We want to educate some people to clean up after their pets and keep them under control," he added.

Mr Yeo said the restriction zone was based on where the majority of people pass through or stay on the beach.

"We will monitor the situation and if needed we will amend the restriction for future years," he said.

The restriction means dog owners will have to keep their pets on a fixed short lead in the designated area.

The scheme coincides with Cornwall's peak summer season when thousands of people visit Perranporth's three-mile long beach.